Eric Lu's latest Schubert Impromptus album is a mature and mesmerizing addition to his discography, showcasing the pianist's nuanced approach to some of Franz Schubert's most profound music. With a thoughtful and un-egotistical hand, Lu navigates the complexities of these eight Impromptus, imbuing each piece with a sense of stasis and timelessness.
From the opening bars of Op 90 No 1, it is clear that Lu is attuned to the composer's deliberate craftsmanship, carefully shaping his phrasing to draw the listener in. His playing can be weighty at times, but it is precisely this quality that allows him to convey the depth and contours of Schubert's music, as if drawing a sonic landscape that stretches far beyond the confines of a single note.
One of Lu's greatest strengths lies in his ability to find balance between grandeur and subtlety. In the dramatic passages that punctuate these Impromptus, he is able to conjure a sense of momentum without ever sacrificing nuance or control. Every corner is smoothly turned, every line extended into the distance, creating a feeling of continuity and flow that is nothing short of captivating.
If this album may not yet stand out in a crowded field of Schubert recordings, it would still be a serious contender for any pianist seeking to claim the composer's music as their own. Lu's performances are consistently impressive, and his commitment to the music is unwavering. As such, he is a serious talent who has proven himself worthy of the Chopin judges' decision.
From the opening bars of Op 90 No 1, it is clear that Lu is attuned to the composer's deliberate craftsmanship, carefully shaping his phrasing to draw the listener in. His playing can be weighty at times, but it is precisely this quality that allows him to convey the depth and contours of Schubert's music, as if drawing a sonic landscape that stretches far beyond the confines of a single note.
One of Lu's greatest strengths lies in his ability to find balance between grandeur and subtlety. In the dramatic passages that punctuate these Impromptus, he is able to conjure a sense of momentum without ever sacrificing nuance or control. Every corner is smoothly turned, every line extended into the distance, creating a feeling of continuity and flow that is nothing short of captivating.
If this album may not yet stand out in a crowded field of Schubert recordings, it would still be a serious contender for any pianist seeking to claim the composer's music as their own. Lu's performances are consistently impressive, and his commitment to the music is unwavering. As such, he is a serious talent who has proven himself worthy of the Chopin judges' decision.